Turkish Airlines’ loyalty programme Miles&Smiles has implemented a comprehensive devaluation in Star Alliance domestic awards, significantly increasing the cost of travel within the United States, particularly on flights operated through United Airlines. The new pricing structure has severely devalued U.S. domestic and Hawaii flights, which for years were considered the programme’s “best sweet spot”.
The changes mean that one-way Star Alliance domestic awards will now require substantially more miles.
Over 50% Increase in Domestic Awards
Under the previous Miles&Smiles pricing, one-way Star Alliance domestic flights in all countries required:
- Economy: 10,000 miles
- Business: 15,000 miles
- First Class: 20,000 miles
The new prices have been updated as follows:
- Economy: 15,000 miles
- Business: 22,500 miles
- First Class: 30,000 miles
This change represents an average increase of 50% for domestic award tickets.
- Hawaii Is Now a Separate Region: Prices Increase by 150–167%
The steepest blow for American travellers has come in Hawaii awards. Hawaii is no longer categorised with U.S. domestic flights and has been designated its own award region.
According to the new pricing:
- U.S. mainland → Hawaii economy: 25,000 miles (previously 10,000 miles)
- U.S. mainland → Hawaii business: 40,000 miles (previously 15,000 miles)
- U.S. mainland → Hawaii first: 50,000 miles (previously 20,000 miles)
These increases represent a 150% to 167% rise in cost. The Miles&Smiles–United combination, long considered one of the most popular ways to reach Hawaii using points, is now no longer competitive.
Not the First Devaluation: Prices Also Increased in 2024
Miles&Smiles has been undergoing major changes this year. At the beginning of 2024:
- Long-haul award prices were increased,
- Segment-based pricing was introduced,
and many advantageous awards to Europe and other continents were removed.
United domestic awards had still been seen as the programme’s “last remaining sweet spot”, but this latest update eliminates that advantage as well.
Transfer Partners Still Exist… But Value Is Declining
Miles&Smiles miles can still be transferred from major credit card programmes such as:
- Citi ThankYou,
- Capital One,
- Bilt Rewards
However, analysts emphasise that the diminishing value of awards makes these transfer benefits far less meaningful in practice.
- Overall Trend: Points Are Losing Value
A global trend of “silent devaluation” is being observed across loyalty programmes. Airlines are frequently updating their award charts and increasing costs, driven by the high point-generation capacity of credit cards.
Experts warn: “Award charts can change overnight; the best deals are never permanent.”
Best Value in Miles&Smiles Still Found on THY Flights
Turkish miles may still offer good value on certain Turkish Airlines long-haul flights, but:
- High fuel surcharges,
- Constantly shifting award charts,
and increased costs on partner airlines limit these advantages.
Experts advise:
“If you plan to continue collecting Turkish miles, the greatest value is still found directly on Turkish Airlines flights.”
